The I Dare You Tag

Hi fellow bookworms! I found this tag over at Howling Libraries.  Destiny tagged everyone, so I considered myself tagged because this looked like a fun one!

1. What book has been on your shelf the longest?

Probably one of my Harry Potter books- I’m not entirely positive though.

2. What is your current read, your last read, and the book you’ll read next?

My current read is The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy, my last read was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, and my next read will be Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake!

3. What book did everyone like, but you hated?

I wouldn’t say hated, but I guess A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.  On paper I should have loved it, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

4. What book do you keep telling yourself you’ll read, but you probably won’t?

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.  I read about a quarter of it and keep telling myself I’ll go back, but in all honesty, I probably won’t.

5. What book are you saving for retirement?

Whatever I have left unread.

6. Last page: read it first, or wait ’til the end?

Wait till the end!!

7. Acknowledgments: waste of paper and ink, or interesting aside?

I’ve actually gotten really into reading the acknowledgments lately.  I almost never finish a book without reading them now.

8. Which book character would you switch places with?

A random Hogwarts student.  For sure.

9. Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life? (place, time, person?)

The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen brings back extremely vivid memories of not being able to put it down, and literally bringing it with me backstage at my dance recital to continue reading until the last possible moment before I had to go onstage.  Probably my first serious time “reading in the wings.”

10. Name a book that you acquired in an interesting way.

Ummmm.. I can’t really think of any that interesting.  I did find a bunch of vintage Nancy Drew books at an antique store while doing a show in Maine!

11. Have you ever given a book away for a special reason to a special person?

I love giving book presents!

12. Which book has been with you most places?

Harry Potter for sure.  Especially now that I have the whole series on my Kindle.

13. Any “required reading” you hated in high school that wasn’t so bad two years later?

Nope. To be fair, I didn’t re-read any of them so who’s to say?

14. Used or brand new?

Both.  I love both for different reasons.

15. Have you ever read a Dan Brown book?

All of them.

16. Have you ever seen a movie you liked more than the book?

Yes! I liked The Help better as a film.  The acting is just so spectacular and I thought the adaptation was so well done.

17. Have you ever read a book that’s made you hungry, cookbooks included?

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch.

18. Who is the person whose book advice you’ll always take?

I have a couple friends who are usually pretty spot on with what I’ll like.  I’m looking at you Kaley, Joey, and Allison!

19. Is there a book out of your comfort zone (e.g., outside your usual reading genre) that you ended up loving?

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.  Stunning book.

I am going to follow in Destiny’s footsteps and tag everyone! 🙂

June 2018 Wrap-Up

This was a fun and hectic month!  I turned 26, and celebrated at high tea with my boyfriend, followed by drinks with friends.  I also have two great friends who got married this month, including my best friend since I was born, who is getting married today!  We’ve had a lot building up to this moment and I am so excited to be a part of her special day 🙂  I also read some pretty great books, as well as some duds.

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Books Read:

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard ★★★★

by Lauren Kate ★★

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer ★★

You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero ★★★★

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff ★★★★★

Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch ★★★★

Caraval by Stephanie Garber ★★★★★

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Favorite Book of the Month:

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Currently Reading:

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Challenge Updates:

Goodreads Challenge: 38 of 50

A to Z Challenge: 12 of 26 (I kinda failed on this one this month)

Classics Club Challenge: 4 of 50

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Broadway Book Chat: David Girolmo

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June Reviews

• Practicing Normal by Cara Sue Achterberg • War Storm by Victoria Aveyard • Review: Blackout (The Color Alchemist #3) by Nina Walker •

June Posts

• Top 10 Tuesday: Books I Decided to DNF (or Should Have) • The Spring Cleaning Book Tag • Top 10 Tuesday: Books That Awaken The Travel Bug In Me • Cleaning Up My TBR- Down the TBR Hole #1 • Top 10 Tuesday: Books to Read by the Pool — My Summer TBR • Mid-Year Freak Out Tag 2018 • Top 10 Tuesday: Series I Don’t Plan to Finish •

The Spring Cleaning Book Tag

Spring cleaning… Something I really need to do in my apartment desperately… but I was tagged in The Spring Cleaning Book Tag by Reading with Jessica so for now, this will have to do 🙂

The Struggle of Getting Started: A book or series you struggle to begin because of its size

This is always the first book that comes to mind for books that I have been meaning to read for ever, and the reason I haven’t gotten to it is because of its size and its intimidation factor… I’m planning on tackling it finally this year though!

Cleaning Out the Closet: A book or series you want to unhaul

This series has been on my TBR since MIDDLE SCHOOL, and I still have never read it.  It seemed so scandalous to my younger self, but now that I’m older, the desire to read it has disappeared. Bye!

Opening Windows and Letting Fresh Air In: A book that was refreshing

This book is easily one of my favorites that I’ve read this year.  It just fills your heart with happiness and hope and it is so incredibly beautiful.

Washing Out The Sheets: A book with a scene you wish you could rewrite

WORST ENDING EVER.  It still makes my blood boil to think about it.

Throwing Out Unnecessary Knick-Knacks: A book in a series you didn’t think was necessary

As much as I loved coming back into Mia’s world, this book was unnecessary.  The original series ended so perfectly, and I think this one felt thrown on the end.

Polishing Doorknobs: A book that had a clean finish

I absolutely adore Kate Morton and after the long journey of this story, the ending wrapped up everything very well and gave me a gigantic book hangover!

Reaching to Dust the Fan: A book that tried too hard to relay a certain message

I ended up really liking and being haunted by this book.  I did think it tried too hard to shock with all of the explicit, sexual scenes that seemed unnecessary to me though.

The Tiring, Yet Satisfying Finish of Spring Cleaning: A book series that was tiring but satisfying to get through

I loved The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, but it was not a quick and easy read.  Even now, I feel like I need to re-read them because I feel like I missed things, and that there is so much more information to be absorbed from this world.  I’ve recently been watching the movies, so its putting me in the mood to read them again.

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I TAG:

A Cat, A Book, and A Cup of Tea

Lorraine Ambers

Books in Bloom

The Netflix Book Tag

Happy Thursday everybody! It has been super rainy and gross here in NYC lately, so all I’ve been wanting to do is sit on my couch with my books and TV.  Kat at Life and Other Disasters did The Netflix Book Tag a little bit ago, and tagged anyone who likes Netflix.  I figured that since I love me some Netflix, this was the perfect time to tackle this tag!

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Recently Watched: The last book you finished reading.

Wow. I am still reeling from this book.  I saw people DYING over Obsidio, so I thought it was about time I saw what the fuss was about.  Holy shit. I’m deceased.  I can’t remember the last time that my heart raced so fast while reading a book.

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Top Picks: A book that has been recommended to you based on books you have previously read.

My good friend recommended this to me, and I definitely trust her opinions on books.  She knows my love fore fantasy runs deep, and she said this is a must read.

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Recently Added: The last book you bought.

I am on strict Book Buying Ban rules, but luckily for me New Releases that I have been waiting eagerly for are not included 🙂

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Popular on Netflix: Books that everyone knows about. (2 You’ve read and 2 you haven’t read or have no interest in reading.)

Books I’ve Read:

Books I Haven’t Read Yet:

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Comedies: A funny book.

One of my favorite series ever.  It just makes my heart so happy.

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Dramas: A character who is a drama queen/king.

Miranda Priestly. Queen.

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Animated: A book with cartoons on the cover.

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Watch it Again: A book or series that you want to re-read.

I’m on my 5th re-read of the series.  I’ll never stop. NEVER.

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Documentaries: A non-fiction book you’d recommend to everyone.

I always rave about this book, but I seriously think everyone needs it in their lives.

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Action Adventure: An action packed book.

See above. Still dead.

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New Releases: A book that just came out, or will be coming out soon, that you can’t wait to read.

FINALLY!!!!

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TAGS:

Tamika @Paperback & Flick Chick

Taylor @Taylor Talks Books

Adrianna @For the Luv of Books

 

 

 

 

Disney Song Book Tag

I am, and always have been, a Disney fanatic.  I know all the songs by heart, and sing them fairly regularly.  There is something about Disney that just makes my heart happy.  I found this tag on The Thrifty Bibliophile, and had to give it a go.  Check out her answers too- she picked some good ones! 🙂

A Whole New World- Pick a book that made you see the world differently:

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is one of the best books I have ever read.  So inspiring, beautifully written, and about a mix of cultures that I had very little experience with.

Cruella De Vil- Pick your favorite villain:

I’m gonna go with the character that I have the most hatred for, and that is William Hamleigh from Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.

I Won’t Say I’m In Love- Pick a book you didn’t want to admit you loved:

Do I agree that these books are trash? Yes.  Did I still devour them? Absolutely.

Gaston- Pick a character that you couldn’t stand:

First of all, I take offense because Gaston is my favorite, and I’m not so secretly in love with him…… and my answer to the question is Tamlin from A Court of Thorns and Roses.  I never liked him from day one.

Part of Your World- Pick a book set in a universe you wish you could live in:

Is there even a question? I literally cried at Harry Potter World….

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes- Describe what the book of your dreams would be like:

A historical-fiction fantasy romance with witches

Someday My Prince Will Come- Pick a book character you would marry if you could:

God I have so many book boyfriends.  Right now my current love is Chaol from Throne of Glass, but I’m only on Book 2 so we’ll see how that goes.

I See the Light- Pick a book that changed your life:

This book is everything, and I think everyone needs to read it.

When You Wish Upon a Star- Pick a book you wish you could read for the first time:

One of my friends from my last show was reading them for the first time and my heart hurt with jealousy and excitement for her!!

I Just Can’t Wait to be King: Pick a book with a monarchy:

I loved this book.  One of my biggest book disappointments to date was the ending of this trilogy.

 

 

Do Re Mi Book Character Tag

I am a total theatre nerd, so when Adrianna from For the Love of Books tagged me in her new Do Re Mi Book Character Tag, I got so excited.  I have grown up loving The Sound of Music, I have several friends who are currently touring the US with the show, and I even modeled for some of the ads for the tour (even though I’m not in the show haha)!

Do, a deer, a female deer – Name a book character with an animal sidekick!

I’m gonna go with Ayla from the Earth’s Children Series by Jean M. Auel.  She has both the lion cub, Baby, and the horse, Whinney, that she raises and they become her only companions for a while, and they help each other survive.

Re, a drop of golden sun – Name a book character who puts a smile on everyone’s faces, they just light everything up with their presence!

Fred and George Weasley.  I know I always use them, but they’re just my favorite!

Mi, a name I call myself – Name a book character with a name you always pronounce wrong or one you wish was pronounced differently! 

I’ve come to terms with it and pronounce it correctly now, but I struggled with Rhys from A Court of Thorns and Roses.  I originally pronounced it like “R-eyes” instead of “Rees” and I had to force myself for a while to pronounce it the right way once I found out.

Fa, a long, long way to run – Name a book character who is either forced or chooses to runaway from home.

Enzi from The Gwythienian by Savannah J. Goins

So, a needle pulling thread – Name a book character who’s a healer or puts people back together in some way, you know cuz sewing! (Just go with it!)

Caris from World Without End by Ken Follett.  I love her and her whole journey as a physician in a time when so little was known.

La, a note to follow Sew – Name a book character who’s a bit of a follower, but could totally be a leader with some encouragement!

Neville Longbottom.  He starts to get there towards the end of the series, and it always makes my heart happy.

Ti, a drink with jam and bread – Name a food that a book character made you want to eat and who that character is!

I really just want to eat all of the feasts at Hogwarts….

Thanks again to Adrianna for tagging me and creating this awesome tag! I tag:

Claire @Cup of Books

Kellie @Kellie’s Book Shelf

Alana @The Bookish Chick

Unique Blogger Award

I am so happy to have been nominated for the Unique Blogger award by the lovely Erin at A Redhead’s Rambling.  I am a huge fan of her blog, and love that she’s a theatre geek like me 🙂  Make sure you check her out folks!

The Rules:

1) Share the link/s of the blogger/s who has/have shown love to you by nominating you.

2) Answer their questions.

3) In the spirit of spreading the love nominate 8-13 people for the same award.

4) Ask them 3 questions.

If you could be friends with one bookish character, who would you choose and why?

Mia Thermopolis.  She’s smart, funny, goofy, loves books, and is a loyal friend.

What three songs would you pick as the playlist to your life?

Work Bitch– Britney Spears, New York, New York– Frank Sinatra, and Slide– The Goo Goo Dolls

If you could only watch one film for the rest of your life, what would you pick and why?

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (or Harry Potter 1-8 on a continuous loop if that counts…)

My Nominations:

Kate @Reading Through Infinity

Bree @Bree’s Books

Shane @The Blue Green Reader

Maisy @Hawthorn Book Reviews

Adrianna @For the Love of Books

My Questions

1. If you could pick the brain of one author, who would it be and why?
2. What is the first book that you fell in love with?
3. If you could only read one genre for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

 

A- Z Bookish Survey Tag

I saw the A-Z Bookish Survey Tag on Reading Through Infinity’s blog, and it looked like too much fun not to do myself!

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Meg Cabot.  I love her.

Best Sequel Ever:

The one that comes to mind now is A Court of Mist and Fury.

Currently Reading:

The Black Witch by Laurie Forest

Drink of Choice While Reading:

Coffee or tea.

E-reader or Physical Book?

Physical book.  When I was on tour my Kindle was convenient, but I always miss the physical book.  I can only read on my Kindle for so long.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

Fred or George Weasley.

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman.  I was so underwhelmed by Practical Magic (which made me so sad because I love the movie), and it made me nervous to read the prequel, but OMG am I glad I did.  It’s one of, if not my favorite, books I have read so far this year.

Hidden Gem Book:

Prism by Nina Walker.  I was sent this book to review, and I fell in love with the series.  I’m dying for book 3.

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

When I had my first book hangover after reading All-American Girl by Meg Cabot… I was probably in 6th grade and it is the first time I ever remember having that feeling of being half-empty and half-full.

Just Finished:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Incredible.  I don’t understand why it took me so long to finally read it.

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

Religious fiction.. it’s not for me.

Longest Book You’ve Read:

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon- 1,443 pages

Major book hangover because of:

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton.  I was a zombie after that one.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

One…. and its overflowing everywhere.

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

The entire Harry Potter series… that’s pretty much it.

Preferred Place To Read:

In my bath tub.

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

“The secret is here in the present.  If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it.  And if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better.” -The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (I could have chosen a million other quotes from this book too….)

Reading Regret:

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice.  Why did I waste all of that valuable reading time!?

Series You Started And Need To Finish (all books are out in series):

Oh god so many.  The Earth’s Children series, The Sookie Stackhouse series (I have one left and I’m putting it off cuz I’m not ready for it to end), the Outlander series… the list goes on.

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

Oh man. AHHHHHH!

1. Harry Potter in its entirety
2. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss…. Pat… I don’t mean to pressure you, but like…. it’s been years.

Worst Bookish Habit:

Buying books when I have a million to read.

Your latest book purchase:

I have been on a book buying ban since NOVEMBER (I know.  I’m dying.) and I’ve actually stuck to it and gotten through a ton of my physical TBR pile!! The only exception was when I went to Kristin Hannah’s book signing and bought The Great Alone, but my boyfriend gave me the money for it as a present…. so it doesn’t really count 🙂

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.  I couldn’t stop.

I tag anyone who sees this and think it looks fun like I did 🙂

Currently Reading Tag

I saw The Currently Reading Tag on Boston Book Reader’s blog, and it looked like fun.  I love seeing other people’s reading habits!

How many books do you usually read at once?

I’ve been trying to stick to one at a time, but I’m usually always reading Harry Potter in addition to my current read…

If you’re reading more than one book at a time, how do you decide when to switch books?

I’m such a mood reader, so whatever I feel like reading at a certain time.

Do you ever switch bookmarks while you’re partway through a book?

Only if I lose my current one.

Where do you keep the book(s) you’re currently reading?

Either in my backpack/purse or next to my bed.

What time of day do you spend the most time reading? 

During my commute on the subway.  I’m on the train for AT LEAST 2 hours every day, if not more.  Otherwise I read at night in the bath tub.

How long do you typically read in one sitting?

It changes.  I would say typically about an hour.

Do you read hardbacks with the dust jacket on or off?

Mostly off, especially since I read in the bath tub a lot.

What position do you mainly use to read?

I am constantly moving to get comfortable.

Do you take the book you’re currently reading with you everywhere you go?

Yes.  I never leave home without a book.

How often do you update your Goodreads progress on the book you’re currently reading? 

Pretty much after every reading session.  I’m kind of hooked on it.

I tag anyone who hasn’t already done this tag 🙂

Superlatives Book Tag

I have always loved Superlatives.  My senior year in high school, I was so excited to for vote for them for the year book.  I even won Most Likely to be Famous, which was really exciting 🙂 When I saw this Tag on Passionately Perusing, I knew I wanted to do it, and when I saw that she had tagged me, I was pumped! She has some really great answers too, so make sure you check out her blog!

Most likely to be in the movies: The book that would make the best movie:

This book is already so cinematic, and I would LOVE to see it on screen.  I feel like it’s only a matter of time…

Biggest Drama King/Queen: The most overly dramatic book or character:

Scarlett O’Hara.  I live for her.

Best Dressed: Book with the best cover:

I just love how simply beautiful and effective this cover is.  It also does a really good job of representing the story.

Most Creative: The book with the most unique plot, characters, and structure:

This book is just insanely brilliant.  I have never read anything like it.

Most Popular: The book with the most ratings on my Goodreads:

This actually surprised me.  I expected a classic, or Harry Potter.

Most likely to Succeed: The book that is going to be appreciated for many years to come:

It’s just the best.

Class Clown: The book that made you laugh out loud:

The language in this book is just hilarious.  I loved the characters and the plot so much.

Most Improved: The book that started off slow, but really picked up:

This book is one of my faves, but if my mom hadn’t told me to push through the first 100 pages, I probably would have given up… that beginning is SLOW.

The Cutest Couple: The cutest couple in a book:

Franny and Haylin from Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman are my favorite couple at the moment.

Biggest Heart Breaker: The book that broke your heart:

Sobbing, disgusting mess.

I tag anyone who loves Superlatives like me 🙂